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Looking for some cute seaside towns near Manchester? We are here to help!
Manchester is ideally located in North West England. It’s not too far from the seaside and on a nice and sunny day, what’s better than going to the beach for a walk or even a swim.
There are a lot of beaches near Manchester. Within 1 or 2 hours drive, you can reach beautiful seaside towns that have amazing beaches and loads of activities.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the best coastal towns near Manchester. Perfect for a sunny day trip!
Lytham St Annes
- Distance / time: 54 miles – 1 hour 9 min
Lytham St Annes is a stunning and historic seaside town located on the Fylde Coast of Lancashire.
It’s just a bit south of Blackpool and is easily accessible by car from Manchester.
Alternatively, you can also take a train from Piccadilly to Preston and change there for a train to St Annes-on-the-sea
Lytham St Annes is home to one of the best beaches near Manchester, St Annes Beach.
It’s a very large beach with a stunning pier and loads of restaurants, fish and chips and ice cream parlours on the promenade.
On a nice and sunny day, you can go sunbathing, swimming or for a walk.
If you have a dog, it’s important to note that the beach is not dog-friendly in summer but a lot of the cafes are and you can go on the beach with your dog during the low season.
It’s also a popular spot for kite surfing so if that’s something you’re interested in, this is the place for you!
Lytham St Annes is a nice town for a day trip since you will find loads of activities for families including a water park (Splash Water Park).
If you are into golfing, you will also be in for a treat since there is a large golf course (St Annes Mini Links) by the promenade which features a 18-hole as well as a 9-hole crazy golf.
Blackpool
- Distance / time: 53 miles – 1 hour
Blackpool is one of the most popular seaside resorts in England and it’s only an hour drive from Manchester.
It is also the most popular coastal town near Manchester so you probably already know that’s an option. Regardless, we are still going to tell you everything you can do here!
The main beach is called Blackpool Beach and it’s the perfect spot for a summer day out.
Whether you’re looking to go swimming, sunbathing or just want to take a stroll on the promenade, Blackpool beach has got you covered!
You will also find the iconic Blackpool Tower on the promenade, perfect for photos.
There are also three piers in Blackpool. All of them have loads of arcade games and shops for those who enjoy the traditional seaside fun.
If you are more into theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is probably where you want to go. It’s a super fun theme parks with roller coasters and all sorts of rides.
Another great attraction in Blackpool is the Sea Life Aquarium. It’s a great place to visit with kids. You can learn plenty about the marine life and see loads of sea animals.
Southport
- Distance / time: 43 miles – 1 hour 15 minutes
Southport is a small and beautiful town located near Liverpool. It’s easily accessible from Manchester by car or train and it’s the perfect destination for a day trip.
If you’re driving, it will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes but it’s also worth noting that you can get there direct with the train in 1 hour and 20 minutes from Manchester Victoria.
Southport is a historic seaside town near Manchester and Liverpool. It’s a beautiful town so you will enjoy strolling around.
In terms of activities, you will of course find the beach with the Southport Pier.
There is also a lot to do in the town itself. It’s home to beautiful parks such as Hesketh Park and Victoria Park where you can walk around, take photos and even have a picnic there.
If you’re looking for more interactive activities, you can also go to Southport Pleasureland, a small theme park, the Atkinson, the art centre or the Southport Model Railway Village.
All in all, Southport is a great destination for families since there are so many things to do for all ages.
Formby
- Distance / time: 44 miles – 1 hour
Formby is a small but charming village located in North Merseyside.
It’s a great destination for those who are looking to explore nature as it is home to the Formby National Trust Reserve which features beautiful dunes and pine areas.
The reserve stretches along three miles of coastline and has loads of interesting wildlife including red squirrels.
Formy Beach is absolutely stunning and it’s important to note that it is dog-friendly, making it a great destination for dog-friendly days out near Manchester.
There are also plenty of walking trails both on the sand dunes and the pine forest.
Finally, the town itself has a lot to offer. It’s quite small but you can find some nice pubs and cafes where you can grab a bite or enjoy a Sunday Roast.
There is a train station in Formy but you would have to change in Liverpool South Parkway if you are travelling from Manchester with the train.
Llandudno
- Distance / time: 81 miles – 1 hour 50 minutes
Although it’s a bit farther away from Manchester, Llandudno is still a popular destination for day trips so we couldn’t not mention it.
It’s one of the largest seaside resort in North Wales and home to some of the best beaches near Manchester.
There are two main beaches in Llandudno. The first is the sandy North Shore Beach located near the town centre. That’s where you will find the pier, the cafes, ice cream parlours and most of the attractions.
It’s a beautiful beach and a very nice place in summer (though it does get quite busy)
The second one is called West Shore and it’s a very large beach. It’s much quieter and is dog-friendly, making it a great place for walks.
Aside from its stunning beaches, Llandudno also offers some great attractions such as the Great Orme Cable Car which takes you to the top of the mountain, a beautiful promenade perfect for strolling and some lovely pubs and restaurants.
Prestatyn
Prestatyn is one of the best seaside towns near Manchester.
Prestatyn is around 67 miles from Manchester’s city centre. Driving takes under two hours via the M56 but it’s also convenient to take the train which will get you there in 1 hour 35 minutes!
Prestatyn is a great place to explore the Welsh coastline. You will want to head straight to Prestatyn Central Beach to make the most out of your trip.
The beach adjoins Ffirth and Barkby creating a four-mile stretch of sand.
This beach is popular with water sport enthusiasts and you are bound to find surfers, sailors and windsurfers out on the water.
The beach also marks the start of the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path which runs south towards Chepstow. If you have bikes, this is a great place to cycle with a wonderful coastal view.
West Kirby
Another of the best seaside towns near Manchester is West Kirby.
West Kirby is at the mouth of the River Dee and around 25 minutes’ drive west of Liverpool. There are no direct trains; instead you have to change at Liverpool Lime Street.
So, what is there to do in West Kirby? Well, most day trippers to West Kirby will check out Marine Lake.
This is a really picturesque spot with views looking out towards the Welsh Hills with the Dee Estuary in the foreground. You can take a gentle stroll or a longer walk heading towards the main beach area.
For some added excitement take a trip to Hilbre Island.
At low tide you can walk to this lovely island. Keep your eyes peeled for bird life and grey seals. With no shops, toilets or drinking water, Hilbre Island is a true oasis.
Morecambe
Morecambe has often received a bit of a bad reputation but it’s definitely undeserved.
Whilst there are no direct trains to Morecambe, the journey takes only an hour and 20 minutes with a connection in Lancaster.
This is one of the best seaside resorts near Manchester for that classic feeling of England.
In addition to the forest, the casinos and tatty shops, one of the best things about Morecambe is the view across the bay with spectacular views of the Lake District.
Take a long stroll on the beach – just keep an eye on the ever-changing tides.
Other reasons why this is one of the best seaside resorts near Manchester is that there are plenty of activities for kids and those looking for an active day out.
The Bay Cycle Way is a family-friendly pathway that runs from Walney to Glasson Dock near Lancaster.
Kids will love Happy Mount Park which has putting and bowling greens, a splash park, crazy golf and a miniature railway.
Fleetwood
Fleetwood is around seven miles north of Blackpool surrounded by the Irish Sea and the River Wyre.
Whilst there are no direct trains from Manchester to Fleetwood, you can get the train to Blackpool and then take the tramway to Fleetwood.
Fleetwood is an ideal seaside area near Manchester, especially if you are searching for something more quaint and peaceful. Leave the garishness of Blackpool behind and head to the Fleetwood seafront.
One of the great things about Fleetwood Beach is that its accessible – wheelchair users can use chairs that work well on the beach.
Whilst at the beach, there are also the Marine Gardens which features a children’s playground and pitch and putt courses.
There’s also Fleetwood’s Waterfront where there’s a splash zone and plenty of spots for alfresco dining.
Other Fleetwood attractions include the Fleetwood Museum where you can learn more about the once thriving cargo and fishing hub.
Rhyl
Rhyl is just 15 minutes’ drive from Prestatyn, so if you are looking to combine seaside resorts near Manchester in one day, these two spots are a good bet.
It is also possible to take the train, adding just 10 minutes to your journey to Prestatyn.
There’s plenty to do in Rhyl, especially if you are visiting with young children. The Rhyl Miniature Railway is excellent for train enthusiasts and the little ones.
You can visit their museum, as well as take a ride on Britain’s oldest miniature railway. Rhyl is also home to Marine Lake which is right by the miniature railway and the River Clwyd.
Both locals and visitors head to the lake for sailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding and canoeing. Younger kids will enjoy burning energy at the Marine Lake Play Area.
Why not grab an ice cream and wander around the lake? After some time at the lake, you will want to check out the six mile Rhyl Beach for fun along the coast.
Now that you know everything about the best seaside resorts near Manchester, it’s time to start planning your day trips!
With beaches, parks and activities for all ages, you will find something to do for everyone.
So get your swimming suit ready and hit the road as all these towns are just a short drive away from Manchester!
No matter which destination you choose, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing day trip with plenty of memories to take home.
Happy seaside exploring! 👙🌊☀️🌴
P.S. Don’t forget the sunscreen, especially if you are going during summer! 🥵😉
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